This paper examines ways governance leaders can increase the number of Americans who finish college and other certificate programs, stressing that such a goal is necessary to ensure that the U.S. economy remains competitive. Based on a December 2010 conference that convened individuals and organizations responsible for higher education, The Miller Center at the University of Virginia and the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) have compiled recommendations from current and former governors, university and college presidents, chancellors of several state university systems, and other national education leaders to create this report. This report outlines several recommendations, including: (1) Promote--and reward--institutional changes that increase the number of persons who successfully complete higher-education degree and certificate programs; (2) Reconsider the federal role in higher education; (3) Create an environment at the state level that will give institutions reasons to pursue the public agenda; and (4) Provide leadership to help colleges and universities do the work that needs to be done. Individual sections contain figures, tables and endnotes. [This paper was co-presented by the Miller Center, University of Virginia.]